Library · Bristol
Libraries in Bristol
Bristol Public Library serves 61,601 people in and around Bristol from 2 locations. Last year it logged 167,448 visits, about 2.7 for every resident, and lent 276K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Bristol Public Library
5 High St., Bristol 06010
62 hrsopen a week
55,947sq ft
232Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Auto-renews loansBooks renew on their own if no one’s waiting
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#105
#105 of 173 CT libraries for visits per residentAmong every public library system in Connecticut that reported visits
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
167K
visits
2.7 per resident
276K
loans, print + digital
4.5 per resident
1,145
programs & events
42K attended
14K
library cards
23% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 25,000 to 100,000 people
Per-resident numbers, compared only with libraries of a similar size across the country, because a tiny town’s library always looks busier per person.
Visits per resident
2.7 visits · typical 2.6
Higher than 53% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
3.8 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 51% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
0.7 e-items · typical 1.2
A little below typical (31th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
1.9 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Higher than 54% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.7 attendees · typical 0.3
Higher than 85% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
23% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (18th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
276K loans last year
Books & media (adults)43%Kids’ books & media42%E-books, audio & streaming16%
Who the programs are for
1,145 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$68 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $4.2M.
Local 93%State 0%Gifts & other 7%
Locations
Other libraries in Bristol
About these numbers
How to read this page
Hours are an averageThe survey reports a building’s public hours for the whole year. We divide by the weeks it was open, so check the library’s own site for today’s hours.
Compared by size“Similar-size” means libraries serving about as many people, nationwide. Per-resident numbers always flatter the smallest towns, so they’re never compared with big cities.
One year, the library’s own countLibraries report their own visits, loans and programs for fiscal year 2024. A library that didn’t respond keeps its address and hours here, with no numbers.
Source: Institute of Museum and Library Services, Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024. Distances are straight-line from the town center.